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    Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale VIP Access

    Nancy Gonzalez is hosting her bi-annual sample sale where her famous exotic skin bags will be significantly reduced. The sale doesn’t open to the public until Monday, December 5 but Madison Avenue Spy readers will be given VIP access.

    Shoppers can attend the pre-sale on Sunday by giving a $36 donation, which will go to New York Cancer Center. Please
    email us here
    if you would like to attend. If you can’t make it to the sale preview, readers who RSVP will be given the opportunity to cut the line throughout the sale.

    Space is limited and you must RSVP
    must RSVP
    to access these VIP perks. There will be a guest list at the door on Sunday. The remaining dates of the sale are open to the general public.

    We are told that this season’s sale will have a great selection of the designer’s most popular 3-D collections. Past Gonzalez sample sales include an impressive inventory of exotic styles and colors. The prices at the last sale were almost as impressive as the assortment of merchandise starting at just $500.

    This sale is always very popular and can be quite chaotic. We suggest that serious Nancy Gonzalez shoppers should take advantage of this VIP-shopping opportunity.

    Nancy Gonzalez Sample Sale
    VIP Shopping: Sunday, December 4 from 12pm-5pm
    Public shopping: Monday, December 5 through Wednesday, December 7
    Mon 9am-6pm, Tues 10am-6pm, Wed 10am-4pm
    5 East 57th Street, 19th FL
     RSVP HERE

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    Christian Louboutin Sample Sale Invites

    Ladies, have you been naughty or nice?

    Check your inboxes to find out. Christian Louboutin just sent their best friends, VIP invites to its exclusive sample sale. That’s right, the sale that everyone loves to hate starts next week. Remember, the security is tight and there’s a clear mean-girls hierarchy to who gets invited to shop first.

    The most important Louboutin insiders, glossy magazine editors and celebrities, are known to be invited to begin shopping by appointment on the first few days. The sale extends all week as the invited guest list expands to allow general press and “friends and family.”

    Last season, prices started at just $200 but most styles were priced in the $250-range. The most expensive style shoes were $800. A majority of the heels and studded variety pumps were priced between $300 and $400. For example, studded kitten heels was $300 and $2300 studded knee high boots were just $600. You can click here to see the inside scoop from last year’s sample sale.

    If you’re considering door-busting this sale, we suggest that you use your best technique starting Wednesday. Be forewarned, at the last sale, there were several layers of security and we received many reports of people getting turned away after waiting on line for a ridiculous amount of time.

    Those who weren’t invited can now save 40% at Christian Louboutin boutiques and Barneys. Other department stores have markdowns too but the discounts are less. There are dozens of styles included in the markdown. Use the scroll above to begin browsing.

    Follow along on Instagram to get up-to-the minute updates.

    Christian Louboutin Invite Only Sample Sale
    Monday, December 12 through Friday, December 16
    11am to 6pm
    307 West 38th Street No. 3 @ 8th Ave.

    Gifts for the Woman Who Shops (a Lot)

    Here are a few gift ideas the woman who confidently shops for herself. As always, we suggest you hold on to the receipt. And, PS, feel free to forward these ideas if you know someone who needs  needs some extra “guidance.”

    Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold T-Wire Bracelet ($!600), Mr & Mrs. Italy shearling lined, camo parka ($3890), JW Anderson Pierce bag ($1690), Adidas x Raf Simons ‘Stan Smiths’ ($300), Max Mara pant suit ($1850 blazer, $735 pants), Gucci star frame sunglasses ($700), Gucci Marmont Bag ($1300), Prada velvet pumps ($670), Alexander McQueen red gloves ($825), House of Holland x Lee Denim Shirt Dress ($279)

    Prada Boutique Markdown 50% Off

    When sales are down, discounts go up. That’s exactly the situation at Prada, which is hosting it’s biggest first markdown ever. Runway clothing, shoes, bags and accessories are all discounted 50%. That’s a better discount than any department store. What’s even more surprising is that there are plenty ‘carryovers’, aka classic styles, included in the markdown.

    The sale officially started on Black Friday but there is a very large assortment of merchandise still available. A shoulder bag with grommets is now $930 from $1860, a reversible tote is $900 from $1800 and the Saffiano bag in grey and other assorted colors is $1050 from $2100. The sale even includes our favorite Half-Flap Double Turn-Lock satchel bag that originally debuted in 2014 for $3700. (Pictures from the store can be found here.)

    It’s really sad how bad the Prada shoe selection was this season. The only standout are the velvet platforms which, of course, are not on sale. The best of the bunch are the classic pumps with embellished jewel details that are priced at $485 from $950. These shoes are similar to a version offered by Dolce & Gabbana and Manolo Hangisis. Peep-toe suede platforms are $410, velvet pointy toe flats with a grosgrain bow are $310 and over-the-knee boots are $725.

    Among the clothing, all of the fall/winter ’16 runway is on markdown. The most popular items are spotty on sizing. We love a skirt with oversized bright pockets and there are several brocade options, which are still very pricey and not quite versatile.

    It’s been years since Prada has done a second markdown and we wouldn’t count on it happening this season. It’s really a quite unfortunate story but every brand has it’s ups and downs. Remember, Gucci wasn’t so desirable two years ago — and now look!

    Zohair 212-664-0010

    Cyber Shop the World on Vestiaire

    Love it or not, we live in an age of online shopping. Black Friday, cyber Monday. It’s all the the same: shopping and indulging. This cyber Monday, we are having extra fun locking our eyeballs on Vestiaire Collective.

    At any given time, Vestiaire‘s luxury marketplace boasts 300,000 items from more than 10 countries around that world. The best part is that each item is authenticated and guaranteed, which takes a lot of the risk out of global consignment shopping. (You can click here for our Vestiaire shopping tips.)

    If you weren’t given access to the Gucci markdown, Vestiaire has a lot of discount options. There is an assortment of Syliva bags priced starting at $1540. The retail price is normally $2500. We also wouldn’t mind the GG classic patent handbag that’s $1900 or this vintage Gucci top handle that’s under $450.

    Among the little Chanel luxuries, we found this pink Timeless clutch that’s under $1800, the famous 5×5 tote is $1430 and a 2.55 Camera Case is less than $1300. An Hermes throw  is true luxury and just $690 and here is a red Hermes CDC bracelet for $900. Aren’t they retailing for over $2000, these days? (Who can’t use another color option?)

    Even better, just for Cyber Monday, the site is offering an additional 15% off any purchase. Just use the code CYBER15 at checkout.  (The promotions don’t get any better than this.) We warn you, Vestiaire is quickly becoming an online addition. We must say, it’s more fun than Facebook!

    Sponsored Post

    Cyber Shop the World on Vestiaire

    Love it or not, we live in an age of online shopping. Black Friday, cyber Monday. It’s all the the same: shopping and indulging. This cyber Monday, we are having extra fun locking our eyeballs on Vestiaire Collective.

    At any given time, Vestiaire‘s luxury marketplace boasts 300,000 items from more than 10 countries around that world. The best part is that each item is authenticated and guaranteed, which takes a lot of the risk out of global consignment shopping. (You can click here for our Vestiaire shopping tips.)

    If you weren’t given access to the Gucci markdown, Vestiaire has a lot of discount options. There is an assortment of Syliva bags priced starting at $1540. The retail price is normally $2500. We also wouldn’t mind the GG classic patent handbag that’s $1900 or this vintage Gucci top handle that’s under $450.

    Among the little Chanel luxuries, we found this pink Timeless clutch that’s under $1800, the famous 5×5 tote is $1430 and a 2.55 Camera Case is less than $1300. An Hermes throw  is true luxury and just $690 and here is a red Hermes CDC bracelet for $900. Aren’t they retailing for over $2000, these days? (Who can’t use another color option?)

    Even better, just for Cyber Monday, the site is offering an additional 15% off any purchase. Just use the code CYBER15 at checkout.  (The promotions don’t get any better than this.) We warn you, Vestiaire is quickly becoming an online addition. We must say, it’s more fun than Facebook!

    Sponsored Post

    The Best of Cyber Monday

    Chances are that you’ve been shopping or browsing online and offline all weekend. Nonetheless, marketers sill insist that the shopping continues full force though Cyber Monday.

    Chuckle as you might, people are clicking and buying more than they are cruising actual stores. Some of the discounts aren’t as good as they were over the weekend but some are even better. Be careful, impulse can easily overcome Monday morning shoppers.

    ASOS//Cyber Monday U.S. 30% off everything
    DATE: Until 11.39
    CODE: THANKFUL30
    Over/Under Black Friday: Same
    Standout Item: Silver and gold pleated midi-skirt $40 from $61

    BaubleBar// Save 35% off everything when you buy two items
    Date: Until 11.29
    CODE: SAVE25 (for one item) SAVE35 (for two items)
    OVER/UNDER Black Friday: Over the weekend the discounts was 30% but you’ll save more if you want more than one item.
    STANDOUT Item: Beaded tassel earrings $22 from $35 with the purchase of another product

    Bergdorf Goodman// Extra 20% off sale merchandise from 5F (Contemporary Collection)
    DATE: Until 11.28
    OVER/UNDER Black Friday: Same
    STANDOUT Item: Opening Ceremony leather varsity jacket $237 from $500

    Bandier // 25% off Sitewide
    DATE: Until 11.28
    CODE: CYBER25
    OVER/UNDER Black Friday: Same
    STANDOUT Item: Python print leggings $75 from $100

    Forzieri// 30% off orders of $350+ and more
    DATE: 12.1
    CODE: CYBERSTYLE30
    OVER/UNDER Black Friday: Same
    STANDOUT Item: JW Anderson Pierce bag $1200 from $1700

    Luisaviaroma// 20% off extra discount on sale items
    DATE: Until 11.30
    OVER/UNDER Black Friday: Same
    STANDOUT Item: Dolce & Gabbana palm leaves dress $800 from $1700

    Nordstrom//Extra 20% off select sale merchandise
    DATE: Until 11.28
    OVER/UNDER Black Friday: Same
    STANDOUT Item: Uggs for kids $40 from $75

    Yoox // Use the App to save 35% off everything
    Date: 11.28
    OVER/UNDER Black Friday: Using the app saves you an extra 10%
    STANDOUT Item: Balenciage biker jacket

    What We Really Bought on Black Friday

    Are Black Friday deals really that good? Eh, kind of.

    We find that holiday hype and the pent up frustration from family overtime, drives much of our consumerism. After investigating the purchases of friends, family, along with our personal shopping, we began to see some trends.

    One is that most of what we bought on Black Friday were minor purchases. There was no extravagant jewelry, no cars, no mega-expensive handbags. Another theme is that people seemed to purchase the items they needed and were holding back to buy. The third, and final observation, is that Starbucks was consistently more crowded than most any store. People are spending more time browsing in shops and shopping online.

    With that out of the way, we bring you a compilation of the things we bought and the rationale behind the purchases. Hope you find the list inspiring or at least amusing.

    Uniqlo Cashmere $69 from $79: I’ve been curious about the quality and thought I would give it a try.

    J Crew Tippi Sweater (pink) $35 from $75: I recently went on a rash of buying pink bags and need more pink to create complete outfits.

    Coach leather skirt $333 from $700: The length is perfect (not too mini) and the quality for the price is excellent.

    BaubleBar beaded tassel earrings $25 from $36: I spotted these in a Facebook ad. A similar style I saw at a Madison Avenue boutique was selling for an exorbitant amount of money. They also fit into my pink passion.

    Reversible Gucci leather belt $345: My father mentioned, at dinner, he needs some new belts. It will be the perfect holiday gift.

    Molo girl’s sweatpants $36 from $60: My daughters are currently obsessed with sweatpants and these made the cut for their not-too-scrappy look.

    CrewCuts kids hats & gloves 40% off: I recently threw out a huge basket of old hats and gloves that nobody wanted to wear. I am resolved to get each child one new set and not buy any more.

    Louboutin So Kate malachite pumps from Barneys presale $450 from $750: Love the malachite pattern and the green is perfect to offset all the pink I’ve purchased. Who doesn’t love looking like a watermelon?